The Astronomical Observatory was founded in 1858 by the Allegheny Telescope Association in Allegheny, PA (now the North Side of Pittsburgh) and deeded to the Western University of Pennsylvania (now the University of Pittsburgh) in 1867. The records contain directors files, administrative files, notebooks, drawings, mechanical drawings, photographic prints and negatives, news releases, newsclippings, historical documents, and articles written about the Observatory. Digital reproductions of selected photographs are available
online.

Finding aid prepared by Archives Service Center Staff. Historical Sketch and Bibliography compiled by Frank Nederhoff, February, 1968. Revisions occurred to the finding aid as a part of the encoding process in April, 2004.

Revision Description:

February 2013:

New materials added to finding aid by Ian McGlory in 2012-2013.

History

The appearance of the comet known as "Donati's Comet", discovered in Florence by Giovanni Donati on June 2, 1858, gave the initial stimulus to the founding of the observatory. Interest in the comets appearance caused a group of men (professional and business) to form the Allegheny Telescope Association. This group, among whom the most prominent were Professor Louis Bradley, Josiah King and Harvey Childs, met in Bradley's home on February 15, 1858, and resolved not only to found the A.T.A. but also to purchase a telescope.

On January 31, 1860, the A.T.A. ordered a 13-inch telescope from Henry Fitz of New York, and it was installed in 1861. On May 15, 1860, the A.T.A. officially adopted a constitution and by-laws, elected a board of directors, and appointed an Observatory Committee. This committee raised funds by subscription for the telescope and housed it in a new building which they called the "Allegheny Observatory" as it was centered on a hill on Perrysville Avenue in the old city of Allegheny.

Professor Bradley was custodian of the new telescope from 1861-1863. In 1865, Professor Philotus Dean, principal of Central High School in Pittsburgh, became first custodian of the Observatory. Both men served without pay, accepting the responsibility of the Observatory to promote the advance of science. Later in 1865, the A.T.A. deeded the telescope, the building and the land to the Western University of Pennsylvania (now University of Pittsburgh). In 1867, the official transfer was completed and Samuel Langley was appointed Director. Among many other accomplishments, Langley invented a device to measure the temperatures on the Sun's surface, known as a bolometer; "Standardized" time for railroad companies; and coined the terms "astrophysics" and "aerodynamics"

When Langley left to become Secretary of the Smithsonian in 1887, James Keeler became the acting director and used the 13" Fitz-Clark telescope to discover Saturn's rings were made of small particles instead of being one large disk. In the early 1890s, because of the increasing air pollution in Pittsburgh and the need for larger research facilities, a new building at a new site was designed. The new Allegheny observatory was built between 1900 and 1914 in Riverview Park. The old observatory was sold and at one point a hospital for an orphanage. The building was torn down in 1955.

The Fitz-Clark 13" is still used today. In 1974 a bequest in the memory of George Theiss was made to the Observatory allowing for renovations on the Thaw and Keeler Telescopes. The George W. Theiss Astronomical Laboratory was also established and houses machines used to measure stellar images obtained from telescopes. The Thaw lens was replaced in 1985.

Collection Scope and Content Notes

The records contain correspondence and letterpress books belonging to ten of the observatory's directors, directors' miscellany, notes, articles, and correspondence. Records also include administrative files, notebooks, drawings, mechanical drawings, photographic prints and negatives, news releases, news clippings, a scrapbook, and historical documents and articles written about the Observatory.

Note: Series I (Correspondence of Directors and Acting Directors); Series II (Letterpress books of Directors and Acting Directors); and Series IV (Correspondence of affiliated astronomers) have been microfilmed. A detailed unpublished index to items in those series appear in
Indexes to the Microfilmed Correspondence of Directors, Acting Directors and Selected Astronomers Among the Records of the Allegheny Observatory held by the Archives. In addition a large portion of the correspondence and letterpress books of Director Frank Schlesinger were microfilmed by the Center of History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics and the Archives of Industrial Society. The Schlesinger correspondence, ranging from 1905 through 1941, which was held by both the Archives of Industrial Society and the Center of History of Physics, Yale University Library was microfilmed as part of the project, "Sources for History of Modern Astrophysics."

Note: Additional notes and information are located at the series level including brief biographies of Directors.

A new series was added with the 2009 deposit to include some files on students affiliated with the Observatory.

New Material Added: Additional material was added in 2013 and includes additions to Series I (Correspondence of Directors and Acting Directors), Series IV (Correspondence of affiliated astronomers); Series VI (Administrative Files); Series VIII (Graphic Materials), Series XII (Organizations and Societies), Series XIII (Publications) and Series XVII (Photographs). An additional series, Series XVII (Student Records) was also created.

Series XVII. Student Records are restricted. Some papers in Series XII, Publications, have restrictions on the student records in the section called Reprints and Scholarly Papers. Access to this material is based on researcher signing a memo of confidentiality.

Acquisition Information:

Original deposit by Nicholas Wagman, Director, Allegheny Observatory, on February 28, 1964. Second deposit of 9 boxes by Louis Coban on November 2, 2009.

Alternate Format:

Series I, II, and IV have been microfilmed. A detailed inventory of those items microfilmed can be found in the unpublished "Indexes to the Microfilmed Correspondence of Directors, Acting Directors and Selected Astronomers Among the Records of the Allegheny Observatory" located at the Archives Service Center. In addition, a large portion of the correspondence of Director Frank Schlesinger and his letterpress books were microfilmed by the Curator in History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics. The correspondence, ranging from 1905 through 1941, held by both the Archives Service Center and the Yale University Library, was microfilmed as part of the project, "Sources for History of Modern Astrophysics" and is available in AIS.1981.06 microfilm (Microfilm-cabinet 2, Drawer 9 and Microfilm-cabinet 3, Drawer 1).

This collection was processed by Frank Nederhoff in 1968. The second deposit was processed by Ian McGlory from September 2012 through February 2013.

Copyright:

Permission for publication is given on behalf of the University of Pittsburgh as the owner of the physical items and is not intended to include or imply permission of the copyright holder, which must also be obtained.

Collection Inventory

Series I.Correspondence of Directors/Acting Directors, 1850-1977

Subseries 1.Samuel Pierpoint Langley, 1850-1896, 1899

Scope and Content Notes:

Samuel Pierpoint Langley was born in Roxbury, MA, on August 22, 1834 and was Director of the observatory from 1867-1887. After graduating from the Boston Latin School, he studied civil engineering and architecture. His first employment was as an assistant in the Observatory at Harvard University; soon afterwards he became an instructor at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis. In 1867 Langley became the Director of the Allegheny Observatory which had been transferred from private hands to the Western University of Pennsylvania; at the same time he was elected to the chair of Astronomy and Physics at the University.

Langley's main field of interest was the sun. He made detailed drawings of sunspots, invented the bolometer (an instrument to measure the amount of heat in different parts of the sun's spectrum), and obtained accurate time by using the telescope and positions of the stars. He also made accurate time available to Pittsburgh, City Hall, and to local railroads--even the U.S. Naval Observatory used his system (Allegheny System) to supply the correct time to the nation. During his term Mr. William Thaw contributed much money to the Observatory as did Andrew Carnegie who stated: "This was my first considerable gift to an institution of learning." Langley left to become first assistant secretary and then secretary to the Smithsonian Institute. He remained in that position until his death in 1906. Samuel Pierpont Langley died in Aiken, South Carolina, on February 26, 1906.

From: Goff, M.B. (Chancellor, Western University of Pennsylvania), November 30, 1899

From: Meysan, Charles, esq. (Pittsburgh), December 2, 1871

Subseries 2.Frank Washington Very, 1864-1895

Scope and Content Notes:

Frank Washington Very was Langley's assistant and was placed in charge of the observatory when Langley was appointed the Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution in 1887.

Box 3

Folder

51

A-B

Folder

52

C

Folder

53

D-G

Folder

54

H-J

Folder

55

K-L

Folder

56

M-P

Folder

57

Q-S

Folder

58

T-U

Folder

59

V-Z

Subseries 3.James Edward Keeler, 1887-1898

Scope and Content Notes:

James Edward Keeler was Director from 1891-1898. Keeler used the 13-inch telescope to make spectroscopic studies and discovered that the rings of Saturn are not solid but composed of a multitude of small particles. In 1898, he left to become director of Lick Observatory.

Folder

60

Ac-Al

Folder

61

Am

Folder

62

An-Astronomi

Folder

63

Astronomy-At

Folder

64

Au-Bar

Folder

65

Bau-Bi

Folder

66

Bl-Bos

Folder

67

Bot-Bri

Folder

68

Bro-Burc

Folder

69

Brue-Cal

Folder

70-73

Cam

Folder

74

Car-Chic

Folder

75

Chid-Clap

Box 4

Folder

76

Clar-Cod

Folder

77

Col-Cot

Folder

78

Cre

Folder

79

Cro-Da

Folder

80

De-Do

Folder

81

Dr-Dz

Folder

82

E

Folder

83

Fa-Fe

Folder

84

Fi-Fr

Folder

85

Gi-Gr

Folder

86-100

Hale

Box 5

Folder

101-102

Hale

Folder

103

Hall-Hapr

Folder

104

Har-Hau

Folder

105

Hay-Hof

Folder

106-108

Hol

Folder

109

Hou-Hu

Folder

110

Hy-Je

Folder

111

Ji-Jo

Folder

112

Ju

Folder

113

Ka-Ki

Folder

114

Ki-Led

Folder

115

Lem-Li

Folder

116

Lo

Folder

117

Lu-Mat

Folder

118

Man-Mil

Folder

119

Min-Nel

Folder

120

New-No

Folder

121

O-Pat

Folder

122-124

Pay

Box 6

Folder

125-127

Pay

Folder

128

Pe

Folder

129

Ph-Pie

Folder

130

Pih-Pot

Folder

131

Pr-Ramb

Folder

132

Rams-Reed

Folder

133

Rees-Roc

Folder

134

Rum-San

Folder

135

Sar-Scha

Folder

136

Schu-Si

Folder

137

Sh-So

Folder

138

Sp

Folder

139

Sta-Step

Folder

140

Steu-Sto

Folder

141

Str-Th

Folder

142

To-Ts

Folder

143

US

Folder

144

Un-Va

Folder

145-147

Vee

Folder

148

Vo-Wan

Folder

149-150

Wain

Box 7

Folder

151

Warr-Way

Folder

152

Way, M.

Folder

153

We-Will

Folder

154

Wil-Wol

Folder

155

Woo-Ye

Folder

156

Yo-Z

Folder

157

University of Pittsburgh (Western University of Pennsylvania)

Subseries 4.John Alfred Brashear, 1866-1903

Scope and Content Notes:

John Alfred Brashear was Director Pro Tem from 1898-1900. Brashear was originally a mill worker, but, encouraged by his friend S.P. Langley and financially supported by William Thaw, he became a renowned lens-maker, setting up the Brashear Company which constructed both the 30-inch Thaw Memorial Telescope and the James E. Keeler Memorial Telescope. In 1867 Brashear raised matching funds from Thaw and Carnegie and he and Keeler drew up plans for a new observatory and equipment. In 1898, Keeler declared "The Observatory's usefulness is at an end" due to antiquated equipment, the encroachment of homes, factories, and the smoky, hazy atmosphere which obscured vision. Brashear spoke eloquently for aid in constructing a new "Temple of the Skies," but both the Panic of 1893 and the War of 1898 hampered the raising of funds. Discouraged, Keeler left for Lick Observatory at the University of California.

When Keeler died in 1906, his ashes were placed in the crypt of the memorial telescope built for him. Brashear persevered in his efforts to build a new observatory, eventually raising the $300,000 needed and securing a plot of land in Riverview Park. Appropriately, when the new observatory was dedicated in 1912, he was master of ceremonies (as he had been at the laying of the cornerstone in 1900). Upon their deaths, the ashes of both Brashear and his wife were also enclosed in the crypt (with Keeler's ashes) of the Keeler Memorial Telescope--the tablet bears the inscription "We have loved stars too fondly to be fearful of the night," words chosen by Brashear from "The Old Astronomer to His Pupil," a poem by Sarah William.

Folder

158

B-Ca

Folder

159

Co-Hal

Folder

160-166

Har

Folder

167

Has-Hu

Folder

168

L

Folder

169

Ma

Folder

170

Mc-Pg

Folder

171

Ph-S

Folder

172-173

T

Folder

174

U-V

Folder

175

W

Folder

175A

Addendum - Unsigned Letter, Pittsburgh, August 27, 1887

Subseries 5.F.L.O. Wadsworth, 1894-1905, 1907

Scope and Content Notes:

F.L.O. Wadsworth was Director from 1900-1905. It was during Wadsworth's directorship on October 20, 1900 that the cornerstone of the new building was laid. Modifying and adding to the plans he was mostly concerned with the supervision of the construction of the new buildings and instruments. He also exerted his influence, along with Brashear and the Observatory Committee, in raising the needed funds. The Observatory was completed in 1905, but the work of equipping it delayed dedication until 1912.

Box 8

Folder

176

Ab-Ae

Folder

177

Ab-Alb

Folder

178

Ale-Alle

Folder

179

Alli-American

Folder

180

American B-American J

Folder

181

American L-American W

Folder

182

Ames

Folder

183

Amh-Ar

Folder

184

Astronomic

Folder

185

Astronomics-Ay

Folder

186

Bac-Baker

Folder

187-189

Baker

Folder

190

Bakh

Folder

191

Bal-Barr

Folder

192

Barr-Bec

Folder

193

Bed-Ber

Folder

194

Bi

Folder

195

Bl-Bol

Folder

196

Bon

Folder

197

Bor-Bow

Folder

198-199

Bra

Folder

200

Bre-Brown

Box 9

Folder

201

Bou-Bur

Folder

202

Burn-By

Folder

203

Cad-Came

Folder

204

Camph

Folder

205

Can-Carnegie

Folder

206

Caregies

Folder

207

Cas-Cau

Folder

208

Cent

Folder

209

Chab-Chan

Folder

210

Chan-Chic

Folder

211

Chil

Folder

212

Chr-Clark, G.

Folder

213

Clark, U.

Folder

214

Cle

Folder

215

Cob-Col

Folder

216

Com-Cop

Folder

217

Cn-Cow

Folder

218

Cr

Folder

219

Cr-Dam

Folder

220

Dave-Davi, L.C.

Folder

221

Davi, H.

Folder

222

Davi W.-Der

Folder

223

Det-Di

Folder

224

Do

Folder

225

Dr

Box 10

Folder

226

Eb-Ec

Folder

227

Ed-Elk

Folder

228

Ell-En

Folder

229

Eq-Ev

Folder

230

Fa

Folder

231

Fe-For

Folder

232

Fos-Fow

Folder

233

Fra-Fri

Folder

234

Fro-fu

Folder

235

Ga-Gi

Folder

236

Gi-Go

Folder

237

Gr-Hag

Folder

238-244

Hale

Folder

245

Hall-Ham

Folder

246

Har

Folder

247

Has

Folder

248-249

Harv

Folder

250

Haw-Hen

Box 11

Folder

251

Her

Folder

252

Hev-Hoo

Folder

253

Hos-Howa

Folder

254

Howe-Hul

Folder

255

Hum-Hut

Folder

256

Hus-Ins

Folder

257

Int-Ir

Folder

258

Ja-Joh

Folder

259

Jon

Folder

260

Ju-Kat

Folder

261

Kay-Ke

Folder

262

Kev-Ki

Folder

263

Kin

Folder

264

Kk-Ko

Folder

265

Kra

Folder

266

Kre-Lawa

Folder

267

Lea-Leo

Folder

268

Les-Li

Folder

269

Loc-Loo

Folder

270-272

Lord

Folder

273

Lore-McA

Folder

274

MacB-McP

Folder

275

Mag-Marq

Box 12

Folder

276

Mari-Mel

Folder

277

Men-Merria

Folder

278

Merril

Folder

279

Merrit-Met

Folder

280

Mic-Mil

Folder

281

Min-Mou

Folder

282

Mur-Mut

Folder

283

My-Nam

Folder

284

Nat-Nau

Folder

285

New

Folder

286

Nich-Nis

Folder

287

Nors-North

Folder

288

North W-Observatoire C

Folder

289

Observatoire DeB-Observatoire Der

Folder

290

Observatoire DeZ-Observatoire M

Folder

291

Observatoire M-Observatoire N

Folder

292

Observatoire N-Observatoy C

Folder

293

Observatory G-Observatory T

Folder

294

Oe-Ol

Folder

295

On-Os

Folder

296

Pag-Pat

Folder

297

Pau-Pen

Folder

298

Per-Pet

Folder

299

Ph-Pic

Folder

300

Pie-Pit

Box 13

Folder

301

Pl-Pop

Folder

302

Por-Poy

Folder

303

Pra

Folder

304

Pre-Ram

Folder

305

Ras-Rat

Folder

306

Ray-Roose, A.

Folder

307

Reese, H.-Reg

Folder

308

Rep-Rie

Folder

309

Rob-Roo

Folder

310

R.T.-R.O.

Folder

311

Roy

Folder

312

Ru-Sca

Folder

313

Sch-Scho

Folder

314

Schu-Se

Folder

315

Sec-See

Folder

316

Sh-Smith

Folder

317

Smiths

Folder

318-321

Sn

Folder

322

Soc-Sol

Folder

323

Som-Stah

Folder

324

Standard R.

Folder

325

Standard U-Steb

Box 14

Folder

326-328

Stec

Folder

329

Ster-Sterr

Folder

330

Sted-Skw

Folder

331

Sti-Strab

Folder

332-333

Strat

Folder

334

Straw-Sy

Folder

335

Ta-Th

Folder

336

Ti-Tu

Folder

337

Uf-U.S.B.

Folder

338

U.S. C-U.S. Coa

Folder

339

U.S. Col-U.S. Ge

Folder

340

U.S. Gl-U.S.N.

Folder

341

U.S.O.-Univ

Folder

342

Up-Va

Folder

343

Ve-Wal

Folder

344

War-Wat

Folder

345

Web-Wesh

Folder

346

Westi-Whifn

Folder

347

Whill-Wilson L.

Folder

348

Wilson M.-Wood, E.M.

Folder

349

Wood, R.W.-Wu

Folder

350

Ya-Z (misc.)

Section: Addendum, 1894-1904

Folder

350A

A-D

Folder

350B

E-K

Folder

350C

L-W

Subseries 6.Frank Schlesinger, 1899-1920, 1907

Scope and Content Notes:

Frank Schlesinger was Director from 1905-1920. Originally from Yerkes Observatory in Williams Bay, Wisconsin, Schlesinger was also president of the American Astronomical Society. His main research interest was the improvement of parallax measurements, a method of determining the distances to stars. The results of his investigations are world-renowned and he was considered an authority in that area of research. On the afternoon of Wednesday, August 28, 1912, the new observatory (Mr. Billquist was the chief architect) was dedicated and presented to the University of Pittsburgh. In the fall of 1907 Mrs. Christopher Lyman Magee donated funds to the Observatory for the purpose of establishing a publication for the research conducted by the Observatory which had been scattered throughout a variety of scientific periodicals. The first volume of the Allegheny Observatory came out in 1912 under the editorship of Frank Schlesinger. In 1920 Schlesinger left to assume the directorship of Yale Observatory.

Box 15

Folder

351

Ad

Folder

352

Ai-Al

Folder

353-355

American A

Folder

356

American I-Bak

Folder

357-358

Barn

Folder

359

Barn-Bon

Folder

360-365

Bos

Folder

366

Boy-Bra

Folder

367

Bre-By

Folder

368

Cam

Folder

369

Can-Cu

Folder

370

Da-Di

Folder

371

Do-Ed

Folder

372

Ei-Fow

Folder

373-375

Fox

Box 16

Folder

376

Fra-Fro

Folder

377-378

Fro

Folder

379

Fro-G

Folder

380-383

Hal

Folder

384

Har-Hy

Folder

385

In-Kaj

Folder

386-387

Kap

Folder

388

Kay-Le

Folder

389

Li-McD

Folder

390

McK-Ma

Folder

391

Mea

Folder

392

Mec-Mi

Folder

393

Na

Folder

394

Ne

Folder

395

Ni-Ph

Folder

396-400

Pic

Box 17

Folder

401-403

Pic

Folder

404

Pic-Roy

Folder

405-406

Ru

Folder

407

St. F-Sta

Folder

408

Ste-Tay

Folder

409

Th

Folder

410

Ti-Tr

Folder

411

Tu

Folder

412

U.S.

Folder

413

Va-Wan

Folder

414

War

Folder

415

We-Wo

Folder

416

Y-Z (and University Correspondence)

Section: Correspondence from AIS/Yale University Project

Scope and Content Notes:

This portion of the collection was microfilmed by the Curator in History of Physics of the American Institute of Physics. The correspondence, ranging from 1905 through 1941, held by both the Archives Service Center and the Yale University Library, was microfilmed as part of the project,
Sources for History of Modern Astrophysics and is available as ais 81:6 microfilm.

Heber D. Curtis was Director from 1920-1930. His field of interest was solar eclipses and stellar spectroscopy. He took part in eleven eclipse expeditions, five while he was Director of Allegheny Observatory. Talented in the construction and operation of scientific instruments, he built a machine shop as well as precision instruments. Dr. Curtis left in 1930 to become Director of Observatories of the University of Michigan.

Box 18

Folder

417

Ac-Am

Folder

418-419

Ait

Folder

420

Alb-Alt

Folder

421

Alu-American Association

Folder

422

American Association F

Folder

423

American Association of American Re

Folder

424-426

American, Re

Folder

427

American, Ro-Astron

Folder

428

Astrop-Bab

Folder

429-433

Bac

Folder

434

Bai-Ban

Folder

435

Bar

Box 19

Folder

436-440

Bau-Beal

Folder

441

Bras-Bri

Folder

442

Bro-Bry

Folder

443

Buf-Bury

Folder

444

Burn

Folder

445

Burt-Campbell, J

Folder

446-449

Campbell, W

Folder

450

Car

Folder

451

Cha

Folder

452

Chi-Coa

Folder

453

Col-Com

Folder

454

Con-Cox

Folder

455

Cr-Cur

Folder

456

Cut-Din

Folder

457

Cir-Dodd

Folder

458

Dodw

Folder

459

Dol

Folder

460

Dom-Dr

Folder

461

Du

Folder

462

Ea

Folder

463

Ec

Folder

464

Ed-Em

Folder

465

En-Fa

Folder

466

Fe-Fox, M

Folder

467

Fox, P

Folder

468

Fra

Folder

469

Fre-Fu

Box 20

Folder

470

Ga

Folder

471

Gi-Go

Folder

472

Gr

Folder

473

Hah-Ham

Folder

474

Har-Has

Folder

475

Hau-Hef

Folder

476

Hei-Hen

Folder

477

Hi-Ho

Folder

478

Hu

Folder

479

Hy

Folder

480-484

Intel

Folder

485

Io-Jar

Folder

486

Jaf-Ju

Folder

487

Ka-Ki

Folder

488

Ki-Kn

Folder

489

Ko-La

Folder

490

Le

Folder

491

Lib-Lin

Folder

492

Lio-Ll

Folder

493

Lo-Lu

Folder

494

McA-McDon

Folder

495-496

McDow

Folder

497

McF-Mac

Folder

498

Marr

Folder

499

Mars-Mart

Folder

500

Mas-Meg

Box 21

Folder

501

Meh-Merria

Folder

502

Merril-Mie

Folder

503-516

Mil

Folder

517

Min-Mit

Folder

518-519

Mit

Folder

520

Mon-Moo

Folder

521

Mor-Nac

Folder

522

National, Ac

Folder

523

National, AS-National, S

Folder

524

Natu-New

Folder

525

New, E

Box 22

Folder

526

New, E

Folder

527

New, K-O'd

Folder

528

Og-Ou

Folder

529

Pa

Folder

530

Pe

Folder

531

Ph-Pitt

Folder

532

Pittsburgh

Folder

533

Pl-Poo

Folder

534

Poo

Folder

535

Pop

Folder

536

Por-Pu

Folder

537

Ra-Re

Folder

538

Ri-Rod

Folder

539

Rot

Folder

540

Roy-Ru

Folder

541

Sa-Sch

Folder

542-550

Schl

Box 23

Folder

551-556

Schl

Folder

557

Science

Folder

558

Scient

Folder

559

Sch-Shan

Folder

560-561

Shap

Folder

562

She-Si

Folder

563

Sli

Folder

564

Slo-Su

Folder

565

So-Steb

Folder

566

Stec-Steu

Folder

567

Sto

Folder

568

Stra

Folder

569

Stre

Folder

570

Sw

Folder

571

Sy-Te

Folder

572-574

Tha

Folder

575

Th-Thi

Box 24

Folder

576

Tho-Tr

Folder

577

Tu-United, P

Folder

578

U.S., B-U.S., C

Folder

579

U.S., G-U.S., N

Folder

580

U.S., R-Van, M

Folder

581

Van, R

Folder

582

Vas-Ve

Folder

583

Vo-Ward

Folder

584

Warn-Weste

Folder

585

Westi

Folder

586

Wh-Wra

Folder

587-589

Wri

Folder

590

Ya-Yr

Folder

591

Yw-Yu

Folder

592

University of Pittsburgh, A-Bus

Folder

593-598

University of Pittsburgh, Bus

Folder

599

University of Pittsburgh, Bud-Cat

Folder

600

University of Pittsburgh, Cha

Box 25

Folder

601

University of Pittsburgh, Cha

Folder

602

University of Pittsburgh, Cha-Chi

Folder

603

University of Pittsburgh, D.

Folder

604

University of Pittsburgh, E-G

Folder

605

University of Pittsburgh, H-K

Folder

606

University of Pittsburgh, M-Seco

Folder

607-611

University of Pittsburgh, Secr

Folder

612

University of Pittsburgh, Si-Su

Folder

613

University of Pittsburgh, T-Z

Subseries 8.Frank C. Jordan, 1908-1941

Scope and Content Notes:

Frank Craig Jordan was Director from 1930-1941. Jordan worked with Frank Schlesinger at Yerkes and in 1908 followed him to Allegheny Observatory and continued Schlesinger's programs, including parallax methods. Dr. Jordan made outstanding contributions in the endeavor of photographic photometry of variable stars. He died in a house fire in 1941.

Folder

614

Ai-A

Folder

615

Ar-As

Folder

616

Au-B

Folder

617

Ca-Co

Folder

618

Cr-Cu

Folder

619

Do-Ea

Folder

620

Eb-Hi

Folder

621

Ho-K

Folder

622

L-Me

Folder

623

Mi-O

Folder

624

P

Folder

625

R

Box 26

Folder

626-628

Sch

Folder

629

Sh-Su

Folder

630

T-Wa

Folder

631

We-V

Folder

632

University of Pittsburgh

Section: New Material Added, 2013

Box 74

Folder

1

Jordan - Parkhurst Correspondence, 1908

Subseries 9.Nicholas E. Wagman, 1930-1970

Scope and Content Notes:

Nicholas Emory Wagman was Acting Director from 1941-1947, then Director from 1947-1970. Wagman became an astronomer at the Observatory in 1930 and became acting director in 1941 upon Dr. Jordan's death. In 1946 he announced one of the rarest finds of modern astronomy: a dark star in the constellation Ophiucus, which he named "Alpha Opiuchi C." As a result of this discovery, he was appointed Director in 1947. He investigated stellar and astrometric binaries and undertook a comprehensive program of modernization. He played a leading role in the disseminating of information on astronomy to the Pittsburgh public community. He served as lecturer at Buhl Planetarium and conducted forums at the YMCA. He was prominent as a member of the American Astronomical Society and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He left the Allegheny Observatory in 1970.

Folder

633

Ab-Ad

Folder

634-635

All

Folder

636

All-Alp

Folder

637-640

Ama

Folder

641

American, A-American, M

Folder

642

An-Ar

Folder

643

As

Folder

644

Av-Bea

Folder

645

Ber-Bil

Folder

646

Bin

Folder

647

Bl-Bra

Folder

648

Bro

Folder

649

Bru-Buh

Folder

650

By-Cal

Box 27

Folder

651

Cam-Clu

Folder

652

Clu

Folder

653

Coh-Com

Folder

654

Coo-Cu

Folder

655

Dan

Folder

656

Dav

Folder

657

De-Do

Folder

658

Dr-Ea

Folder

659-660

Eb

Folder

661

Ed-Eu

Folder

662

Fe-Fl

Folder

663

Fo-Gan

Folder

664

Ga

Folder

665

Ge-Go

Folder

666

Gre-Gri

Folder

667

Ha-Heb

Folder

668

Hei-Her

Folder

669

Hey-Ho

Folder

670

Hu-Hy

Folder

671

I-J

Folder

672

Ka

Folder

673

Ke-Kl

Folder

674

Ko-Ku

Folder

675

La-Le

Box 28

Folder

676

Li-Lu

Folder

677

Ma-McD

Folder

678

Mc-Mrc

Folder

679

Mid-Mu

Folder

680

Mu

Folder

681

Mas-Natl

Folder

682-684

Nati

Folder

685

Natu-Ne

Folder

686

No

Folder

687

Pa-Pe

Folder

688

Pec-Pi

Folder

689

Po-Pre

Folder

690

Pri-Ra

Folder

691

Re-Ri

Folder

692

Ro

Folder

693

Sa-Scho

Folder

694

Schl-Schw

Folder

695

Schw-Shar

Folder

696

Shaw-Shi

Folder

697

Sho-Sk

Folder

698

Sm-So

Folder

699

Sp-Ste

Folder

700

Stu

Box 29

Folder

701

Str

Folder

702

Stu-Swa

Folder

703

Swe-Ta

Folder

704

Te-U

Folder

705

Vae-Van, B

Folder

706-708

Van, D

Folder

709

Van, P-Vas

Folder

710

Ve-Wa

Folder

711

Wee-Westi

Folder

712

Westo

Folder

713

Wh-Will

Folder

714

Wils

Folder

715

Win-Wu

Folder

716

Wy-Yo

Folder

717

University of Pittsburgh, B-Ch

Folder

718-721

University of Pittsburgh, Cr

Folder

722

University of Pittsburgh, H

Folder

723

University of Pittsburgh, L

Folder

724

University of Pittsburgh, O-P

Folder

725

University of Pittsburgh, V

Section: New Material Added, 2013

Box 74

Folder

2-5

Wagman Correspondence,

Folder

6

Wagman Correspondence - Other and University,

Subseries 10.Joost H. Kiewiet de Jonge, 1953-1977

Box 74

Folder

7-13

Kiewiet de Jonge Correspondence,

Folder

14-15

Kiewiet de Jonge Correspondence - University Correspondence

Series II.Letterpress Books of Directors/Acting Directors, 1862-1910

Scope and Content Notes:

As with the correspondence of the Directors/Acting Directors, the letterpress books of the Directors/Acting Directors have also been microfilmed and a detailed item listing can be found in
Indexes to the Microfilmed Correspondence of Directors/Acting Directors and selected Astronomers Among the Records of the Allegheny Observatory. There are four books, however, that are not indexed in that inventory. The first, a letterpress book of F.L.O. Wadsworth, has not been microfilmed or indexed. This book is in Box 33. The remaining three in Box 34 are from Frank Schlesinger and were microfilmed separately as AIS.1981.06. Indexes appear at the end of each volume and indexes to all three Schlesinger letterpress books can be found at the beginning of reel 1 of AIS.1981.06 (Microfilm-cabinet 2, Drawer 9).

Subseries 1.Samuel Pierpont Langley, 1884-1889

Scope and Content Notes:

Samuel Pierpont Langley was the first Director of the Allegheny Observatory and held that position from 1867 to 1887. His primary interest was the sun and he began his studies of the sun immediately after assuming the post of Director. Langley prepared drawings of sun spots and associated phenomena and astronomers, today, are still familiar with Langley's classic drawing of the great sunspot of 1873.

In 1869 Langley devised and made operational the electric system of transmitting telegraphic time to several of the Pennsylvania Railroad lines which were associated with the observatory. In the area of magnetic disturbances, Langley was the first to associate such disturbances on the earth with solar outbreaks of an extremely active character.

Concerning studies in the realm of solar physics, Professor Langley was impressed with the idea that much radiant energy from the sun could not be recognized with instruments then in use, and after much experimentation, he invented the bolometer. With this instrument he succeeded in measuring the amount of heat radiation on the earth from the sun (the solar constant).

Professor Langley studied many minor though important questions concerning radiant energy. His investigations of the moon's temperature added greatly to our knowledge of the moon. Langley used his spectrobolometer to measure the highest temperature of the moon which was found to be approximately zero degrees centigrade and the lowest temperature of the moon which was found to be equivalent to the temperature of space.

Langley also collected data on the part of the solar system beyond the infra-red zone. With the aid of Professors Keeler, Very, and Page measurements were made by Langley utilizing the spectrobolometer and the galvanometer which he invented before photographic methods were develop.

Langley, of course, has received much recognition for his contributions to aeronautics. However, his original intention was not to construct a flying-machine, but instead to "determine the laws governing flight." At the Allegheny Observatory, Langley built a whirling arm on which "he tested airfoils, fusiforms and other aerodynamic objects, measuring their angels and pressures as they moved through the air at varying speeds." Studies of actual birds and "mechanical birds" ("winged contrivance" made of tin, cork, and rubber) were conducted and findings published in a paper entitled "Experiments in Aerodynamics."

Professor Langley left his post at the Allegheny Observatory in 1887 (leaving F.W. Very, his assistant, in charge) to become Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution; later, following the death of Professor Baird, he was elected Secretary of the Institution in 1891. Langley continued his research in aerodynamics and from a catapult, on May 6, 1896, launched an unmanned, steam-powered flying machine over the Potomac. It flew more than a half mile and was subsequently recovered. The first manned flight of his gasoline-powered "aerodome" failed in 1903 because of a launching device defect. Glenn Curtiss successfully piloted Langley's restored plane eight years after his death.

Note: Calendar entries covering the period 1884-1889 (Letterpress books no.'s I, II, and III) consist of abstracts of letters selected from four areas of research: 1) magnetic disturbances, 2) solar radiation, 3) mapping of infra-red spectrum, and 4) aerodynamics. There are also selected abstracts relating to both the electric time signal service and miscellaneous correspondence.

Please note that references to pagination indicate number of pages letters occupy in letterpress books and not necessarily number of pages of actual letters.

Box 30

Volume

1

Samuel Langley, 1862-1872

Volume

2

Samuel Langley, 1884-1887

This calendar, comprised of Volumes 2-3, was prepared by David Lieberman, a student in the Graduate School of Library and Information Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, as an independent study project during September - December, 1973.

2. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Has examined Brashear's lens specimens and has enclosed several items including a bolometer carriage in order that Brashear might measure from it to prepare his own, 2p., March 7, 1884

3. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Langley waiting with great interest the result of experiment with a 1/20 mm. single strip bolometer. [Page 2 of letter not legible, Ed.], 2p., March 7, 1884

4. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. A firm in Paris wishes to secure bolometers for the purpose, Langley supposes, of constructing others, 1p., March 8, 1884

5. Thaw, William. Allegheny, PA. A discussion of the conditions which cause a rise in the surface temperature of the Earth, 1p., March 14, 1884

6. Grunow, William. Encloses a draft for $100 for payment of construction of four bolometers, 2p., March 18, 1884

16. Snyder, W.B. Philadelphia, PA. Forwarding bolometer to the International Electrical Exhibition at the Franklin Institute, 1p., May 19, 1884

17. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Langley proposes to use, in place of a concave mirror of silver copper, a flat mirror silvered on the front face in order to read the reflected scale of his galvanometer, 2p., May 21, 1884

25. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Langley requests preparation of a glass cover mirror to be used in a new spectroscope, 1p., September 27, 1884

26. Thomson, William. Glasgow, Scotland. Allegheny Observatory has obtained conclusive evidence as to the character of the ultra-red bands. Suspects that they are probably telluric, 2p., October 6, 1884

42. Tatlock, John. Beloit, Wisconsin. States that the Allegheny Observatory was the first to establish an electric time service to railways, 2p., July 3, 1885

43. Bramwell, Frederick. London, England. Acknowledgement of receipt of communication of May 14, 1885 extending thanks to members of Royal Institution for expression of their satisfaction with discourse delivered in April 1885, 1p., July 7, 1885

44. Blanford, Henry F. Langley inquiring about the temperature of surfaces of "rock or soil, uncovered by snow, at very great altitudes", 2p., July 14, 1885

45. Whymper, Edward. London, England. Has forwarded a copy of observations on Mt. Whitney in the Sierra Nevadas which discusses primarily theoretical temperatures of airless planets, 2p., July 14, 1885

50. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Langley requests that Brashear observe "siderostat to see whether a needed adjustment can be introduced to make the telescope [Langley;s] parallel to the declination (and free from present shake)" Sketch enclosed, 2p., October 28, 1885

51. Goldback, C. Kehl, Germany. States that observatory is using rock-salt for researches on radiant heat, 1p., November 7, 1885

52. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Requests construction of a bolometer to consist of 3 central strips each 1 mm. wide and 10 mm. in length to be made of platinum which was "heavier than usual", 1p., November 7, 1885

53. Austin, W.W. Johnstown, PA. Response to letter of inquiry requesting longitude and local time of Johnstown, 1p., November 24, 1885

55. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Discusses conversation with W. Thaw. Request for two 18 mm. discs. Also Langley requests Brashear's presence so that he might present him with a sketch and definite order for work to be done on galvanometer, 2p., November 30, 1885

56. Barber, D. Professor Langley wishes to purchase an economical storage battery which will be efficient in maintaining a steady dynamo current, 1p., December 1, 1885

57. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Langley requests that the following work be executed for Allegheny Observatory: 1) construction of small mirrors for galvanometer; 2) adjustment of galvanometer back and head screw; 3) construction of scale lamp; 4) construction of siderostat and siderostat mirror; 5) construction of other mirrors. Memoranda supplying specifications and sketches enclosed, 7p., December 4, 1885

58. Brashear, J.A. Allegheny, PA. Request for a larger lens [usage not specified, Ed.] and a modification of previous order for siderostat mirror. Sketch enclosed, 1p., December 5, 1885

70. Frost, A.G. Youngstown, Ohio. "Approximate relative positions of the Sun, the Earth and Venus in January 13, 1886 viewed from the North Side of the Plane of the Ecliptic" Sketch enclosed, 1p., ca. January

82. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Carbon bolometer "a mechanical success" but does not perform as well as expected, 3p., March 29, 1886

83. Ball, John. London, England. Langley discusses temperature variations of the soil of the full moon, 2p., April 19, 1886

84. Marson, G. Paris, France. Submitting by mail to Annales de Chimie et de Physique in a few days complete illustrations for an article on "Invisible Spectrum and their wavelengths", 1p., April 19, 1886

85. Thomson, William. Glasgow, Scotland. Research just completed on the relation of the index of refraction to wavelength by utilizing a mirror galvanometer, 1p., April 19, 1886

87. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. New bloomer case received and is "very satisfactory", 1p., May 17, 1886

88. Thomson, William. Glasgow, Scotland. Soon to announce research completed in the area of the heat spectrum, 1p., May 18, 1886

89. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Langley returning bolometer No. 4 because its "working badly having very unequal resistance" Requests its immediate return and wishes to know with what thickness of platinum it is filled, 2p., May 19, 1886

91. Darwin, G.H. Cambridge, England. Langley states that he is conducting research on wavelengths in the infrared spectrum and most probably will not be able to attend an international conference in England, 2p., May 29, 1886

96. Marson, G. Paris, France. Submitting by mail to the editor of Annales de Chimie et de Physique the completed manuscript of the research referred to in the Comptes Rendus of January 18, 1886, 2p., June 9, 1886

98. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Refilled bolometer No. 14 which arrived in "good order" Several bolometers in need of repair are forwarded along with a new alloy which is said "to possess superior qualities for a bolometer." Lastly, Grunow is cited in European journals as the manufacturer of the Langley bolometer, 2p., June 11, 1886

99. Kedzee, J.H. Chicago, Illinois. A critique of a book written by Kedzee on solar radiation, 1p., June 12, 1886

110. Hall and Sons. Buffalo, NY. Instructions for modifying construction of a crucible to be used in determining the radiation of "an entirely fixed temperature which will be given out by a piece of platinum placed at the closed end of a tub", 2p., November 16, 1886

112. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Bolometer No. 13 "turns out to be all right". "Langley makes some slight modifications for the future construction of the bolometer thread," and inquires as to whether European orders for bolometers have increased, November 18, 1886

145. Johnston and Co. Pittsburgh, PA. Rubber band received buy lacking in both strength and weight. [Related to flight experimentation, Ed.], 1p., March 9, 1887

146. Rayleigh. Presently conducting experiments on the resistance of air of bodies in motion. Tequest for recommendations concerning any line of investigation likely to be of special interest, 1p., March 9, 1887

147. Thurston. Langley requests information on: first, the names of modern authorities "on air in motion at various inclinations to it"; second, the title of a modern work on wind mills; third, information of the Cunard streamers. Fourth, the name of a "really intelligent and trustworthy model-maker", 2p., March 9, 1887

148. U.S. Army, Chief Signal officer. Washington, DC. Request for information pertaining to resistance of plane surfaces to air in motion, 1p., March 9, 1887

149. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Langley wishes to order a new bolometer to be numbered 20, L., 1p., March 19, 1887

150. White, James. Glasgow, Scotland. Modifications to be made in construction of a galvanometer. Sketch enclosed, L.,1p., March 19, 1887

151. Phillips and Co. Request for elastic rubber [probably to be used in aerodynamic experimentation, El.], 1p., March 26, 1887

152. Phillips and Co. Pittsburgh, PA. Submitting order for elastic rubber to be used in aerodynamic experimentation, 1p., March 28, 1887

176. Queen and Co. Philadelphia, PA. Second request for ordering information pertaining to tachometer and tachograph, 1p., June 18, 1887

177. Hazen, Allen. Washington, DC. Erecting a Whirling Table of "exceptional size" to carry out experiments in anemometry and the resistance of air to bodies in motion including railroad trains. Expects to make experiments in fall with a locomotive and platform cars, 2p., June 25, 1887

182. Abbe, Cleveland. Washington, DC. Request for a chronograph cylinder to be used for aerodynamic experimentation, 2p., July 5, 1887

183. Rotch, A. Lawrence. Request for data on the varying velocity of the wind during short intervals of time, e.g., every quarter of minute or less. Further that Rotch request attach a chronograph to an anemometer which would record electronically the varying velocities on a uniformly revolving board, 2p., July 5, 1887

184. Rowe, Charles O. Titusville, PA. Request for a pole to be set up close to the Observatory with wires leading to the top of chromograph [Probably be used in measurement of wind velocity, Ed.], 1p., July 5, 1887

188. Rotch, A. Lawrence. Acknowledgement of receipt of chronographic record. Requests that record should in the future be obtained on a time scale, ten times as long, "so that the changes from minute to minute can be recognized during an hour or so", 1p., July 13, 1887

189. Rowe, Charles O. Titusville, PA. Acknowledgement of receipt of pole used in connection with chromograph, 1p., July 14, 1887

190. Description of "self recording apparatus to be placed at end of arm of great Whirling Table", 8p., July 15, 1887

8. White, James. Glasgow, Scotland. Generally pleased with finish and solardarity of galvanometer. However, hinges to enable magnets to be unclasped from glass rod were disregarded, 1p., February 2, 1888

9. Brashear, J.A. Pittsburgh, PA. Preparation of a box of seasoned pine to hold the new "White" galvanometer, L., 3p., February 3, 1888

10. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Final modifications of dynometer - chronograph made by Brashear in Pittsburgh, T.L.S., 2p., February 16, 1888

18. Witchell. "Taking measures of the intensity of different colored lights taking for instance red, yellow, blue, or any number of other spectral colors from the same sources and same prism, and trying the comparative intensities of each by noting the relative illuminating powers by suitable tests for the normal eye", 1p., March 30, 1888

22. Grunow, William. West Point, NY. Concerning construction of a spectrobolometer which must be completed within ten months, 2p., May 11, 1888

23. Hale. No French engines for utilizing solar heat more recent than those of Mouchot, exhibited in 1878. French commission report engine not feasible to operate. J. Ericson's engine not economically feasible to operate, 1p., May 11, 1888

25. Reuben, Levi. New York, NY. Acknowledgement of receipt of the book, Travels in the Air. Langley states also with regard to inequalities in the distribution of clouds and rain that he cannot render a judgment on such a meteorological question, 1p., May 15, 1888

26. Thomson, W. Philadelphia, PA. Request for the title of the best treatise on color vision, L., 1p., May 24, 1888

27. Thaw, William. Pittsburgh, PA. Statement of cash receipts and expenditures of the Allegheny Observatory also includes annual report 1887/88 on the "scientific labors of the Observatory" [one page not legible, Ed.], T.L.S., 6 p., ca. May

34. American Journal of Science. New Haven, CT. Enclosed copy of article entitled "Energy and Vision" for November publication, 1p., September 28, 1888

35. American Journal of Science. New Haven, CT. Concerning the return of the proof copy of an article entitled "Energy and Vision", 1p., October 23, 1888

36. London, Edinburgh, and Dublin Philosophical Magazine. Forwarding proof of an article on "Energy and Vision", which was expected to appear in the American Journal of Science for November, 1888, 1p., October 23, 1888

37. Gibbs, Wilcott. Newport, RI. Langley prepared to make a personal examination of disposition of Bache fund for purposes specified on researches in solar physics; description of research in progress, 2p., November 5, 1888

40. American Journal of Science. New Haven, CT. Request for 500 copies in paper covers of History of a Doctrine, 1p., December 3, 1888

41. Ballot, Buys. Ultrecht, Holland. Will post in a few days an abstract of the paper, "On the Solar and Lunar Spectrum," published in the December 1888 issue of the Journal of Science, 2p., December 3, 1888

42. Turner, S.E. Pittsburgh, PA. Wishes to have the "shaft of the turn table made frictionless", 2p., December 3, 1888

Volume

4

Samuel Langley, Frank Very, and James Keeler, 1889-1891

1. [Memorandum] Authorization for removal of pieces of apparatus, which were the personal property of Mr. W. Thaw, to the personal charge of Langley. Signed by W. Thaw, A.D.S., 2p., June 19, 1889

2. Annual Report [1888/89] of the Director of the Allegheny Observatory, A.D.S., 4p., ca. June

Box 31

Volume

1

James Keeler, 1887-1894

Volume

2

Frank Very and James Keeler, 1892-1895

Volume

3

James Keeler, John Brashear, F.L.O. Wadsworth, and Henry Harrer, 1895-1901

Samuel Pierpont Langley - His Early Academic Years of Western University of Pennsylvania, by Wallace Beardsley 1978

Folder

4

Rules and Regulations, by the London Chathan and Dover Railway Company, 1863

Box 35a

Folder

5

Bound volume of Langley publications, most dealing with the Mt. Whitney expedition

Box 36

Folder

6

Resolution passed by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution on Langley's death, 1906

Section: Correspondence

Folder

7

Correspondence of Langley relatives, 1908-1909, 1911, 1942,

Folder

8

Handwritten Instructions in user of "waste book", September 15, 1890

Section: Notes and Manuscripts

Folder

9

Notes on Newton's Optics

Folder

10

Untitled

Subseries 2.Frank Very

Folder

11

Articles by Very

Folder

12

Articles about Very

Folder

13

Notes and Manuscripts

Subseries 3.James Keeler

Folder

14

Articles by Keeler

Subseries 4.John Brashear

Folder

18

Articles by Brashear

Folder

19

Articles about Brasheas

Folder

20

Catalogs of John A. Brashear, Co., Ltd.

Folder

21

Miscellaneous

Subseries 5.F.L.O. Wadsworth

Folder

22

Articles by Wadsworth

Box 37

Folder

23-36

Notes and Manuscripts

Box 38

Folder

37-48

Notes and Manuscripts, continued

Folder

49

Miscellaneous

Folder

15

Articles about Keeler

Folder

16

Unknown

Folder

17

Miscellaneous

Subseries 6.Frank Schlesinger

Folder

50

Publications by Schlesinger

Folder

51

Notes and Manuscripts

Folder

52

Miscellaneous

Subseries 7.Heber Curtis

Folder

53

Articles by Curtis

Folder

54

Articles about Curtis

Folder

55

Notes and Manuscripts

Box 39

Folder

56

Notebook on Spanish

Folder

57

Notebook on Mayan

Folder

58

Cash Account for Sproul Expedition through July 21, 1923

Subseries 8.Frank Jordan

Folder

59

Articles by Jordan

Folder

60

Articles about Jordan

Folder

61-66

Notes and Manuscripts

Folder

67

Journals (2 volumes), 1908-1909

Folder

68

Miscellaneous

Subseries 9.Nicholas Wagman

Folder

69

Articles by Wagman

Folder

70

Open House at the Observatory, 1951-1965

Series IV.Correspondence of Affiliated Astronomers, 1886-1972

Scope and Content Notes:

The following correspondence is available on microfilm and in its original form. For a detailed list of correspondents consult
Indexes to the Microfilmed Correspondence of Directors, Acting directors, and Selected Astronomers Among the Records of the Allegheny Observatory.

Subseries 1.Frank Bartko, 1960-1971

Box 40

Folder

1

A-I

Folder

2

J

Folder

3

K-U

Section: New Material Added, 2013

Box 74

Folder

16

Frank Bartko Correspondence

Subseries 2.Wallace Beardsley, 1958-1970

Folder

4

A-Be

Folder

5

Bi-Bu

Folder

6

C-D

Folder

7

E

Folder

8

F-Ga

Folder

9

Gr-H

Folder

10

I-L

Folder

11

M-R

Folder

12

S

Folder

13

T-Z

Folder

14

Miscellaneous

Folder

15

University of Pittsburgh

Section: New Material Added, 2013

Box 74

Folder

17

Wallace R. Beardsley Correspondence

Subseries 3.Kievin Burns, 1920-1958

Folder

16

Ab-Ad

Folder

17

Ai

Folder

18

Ak

Folder

19

Akl-Alt

Folder

20

Alu-American Asso

Folder

21

American Ast

Folder

22

American C-As

Folder

23

Bab-Bal

Folder

24

Ban-Bar

Folder

25

Be-Bo

Folder

26

Bra-Bri

Folder

27-36

Brou

Box 41

Folder

37

Brow-Bu

Folder

38

Ca-Ci

Folder

39

Cl

Folder

40

Co-Cn

Folder

41

Da-Di

Folder

42

Do-Du

Folder

43-46

Ea

Folder

47

Eb-El

Folder

48

Em-Fi

Folder

49

Fl-Gae

Folder

50

Gal-Gr

Folder

51

Hak-Has

Folder

52-55

Har

Folder

56

Haw-He

Folder

57

Hi-Ho

Folder

58

Hu

Folder

59

Hy-Ins

Folder

60-61

Ins

Folder

62

Int-Jac

Folder

63

Jam-Ki

Folder

64-66

Kie

Folder

67

Kin-La

Folder

68

Le-McL

Folder

69-70

McM

Box 42

Folder

71

Ma

Folder

72-86

Meg

Folder

87-89

Mellon

Folder

90

Mellor-Mer

Folder

91-92

Mer

Folder

93

Mey-Mi

Folder

94

Moo

Folder

95

Mor

Folder

96

Mu-Pes

Folder

97

Pen-Pr

Folder

98

Po-Ru

Folder

99

Ru

Folder

100

Saint

Box 43

Folder

101

Sa-Sca

Folder

102-105

Schl

Folder

106

Schu-Shu

Folder

107

She-Sil

Folder

108-110

Sit

Folder

111

Sk-Sm

Folder

112

Sp-St

Folder

113-127

Su

Folder

128

Swa

Folder

129

Swa-Ti

Folder

130

To-U

Box 44

Folder

131

Va-Ve

Folder

132

Ve

Folder

133

Vy-Warg

Folder

134

Warn-We

Folder

135

Wi-Wo

Folder

136

Wr-Wy

Folder

137

Y-Z

Folder

138

University of Pittsburgh, B-Cl

Folder

139-142

University of Pittsburgh, Co

Folder

143

University of Pittsburgh, F-G

Folder

144

University of Pittsburgh, L-Pl

Folder

145

University of Pittsburgh, Pr-Sec

Folder

146-149

University of Pittsburgh, Sec

Folder

150

University of Pittsburgh, Si-V

Subseries 4.Zaccheus Daniel

Folder

151

A-B

Folder

152

C-D

Folder

153

F-H

Folder

154

J

Folder

155

L-P

Folder

156

R-Sa

Folder

157

Sc

Folder

158

Sk-W

Folder

159

University of Pittsburgh

Series V.Affiliated Astronomers Miscellany, no date

Subseries 1.Kievin Burns

Box 45

Folder

1

Articles by Burns

Folder

2

Articles about Burns

Folder

3-12

Notes and Manuscripts

Subseries 2.Zaccheus Daniel

Folder

13

Articles by Daniel

Folder

14

Articles about Daniel

Folder

15

Miscellaneous Material Relating to Daniel's Education

Folder

16

Miscellaneous

Subseries 3.J.H. Kiewiet de Jonge

Folder

17

Articles by de Jonge

Folder

18-22

Notes and Manuscripts

Box 46

Folder

23

Miscellaneous

Subseries 4Wallace Beardsley

Folder

24

Stellar Radial Velletities- a report made with a grant from the U.S. Navy, along with related correspondence and financial information

Subseries 5.Robert Kemper

Folder

25

Eclipse Six (June 30, 1954), July 8, 1954

Series VI.Administrative Files, 1858-1977

Subseries 1.University of Pittsburgh (Western University of Pennsylvania prior to 1909)

Box 46

Folder

1

Catalogs for Astronomical Deptartment, 1883-1889

Folder

2

Five items to R. B. Carnahan, attorney for the University, from William Thaw, Samuel Langley and James Keeler on dispute over property boundaries of the observatory, 1885

New Material Added, 2013. First meeting in 1980, the Extrasolar Planetary Foundation was led by George Gatewood, director of the Allegheny Observatory. As a non-profit organizaton, it's goal was to "promote, foster, sponsor and support astronomical research in the detection and study of extrasolar plnatery systems." Today it remains focused on these same goals.

Kiewiet de Jonge, Joost H. "On the Relationships Between the Frequency Functions of Stellar Velocities." Reprinted from The Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Vol. 34, No.12, December 1948.

Kiewiet de Jonge, Joost H. "Three-star Position Tables for Air Navigation." Reprinted from The Journal of the Institute of Navigation, Vol.5, No.1, January 1952.

Kiewiet de Jonge, Joost H. "Testing A 100-inch Mirror." Written for American Optical, Date Unknown. Kiewiet de Jonge, Joost H. "Notes on the Interpretation of Astigmatic Coefficients as Derived from a Hartmann Test Analysis." Written for Owens-Illinois, January 28, 1969.

Russell, Jane Lorene. "The Astrometric Standard Region in Praesepe (M44)." Submitted to the Graduate Faculty of Arts and Sciences in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, University of Pittsburgh, 1976.

"Magnetic Reversals of the Earth As Affected by its Gyrodynamical Stability"

Allen, James B. "Magnetic Reversals of the Earth as Affected by its Gyrodynamical Stability." September 12, 1974.

Folder

32

"On the Absolute Magnitudes of the A-Type Stars"

Kiewiet de Jonge, Joost H. "On the Absolute Magnitudes of the A-Type Stars." A Thesis Submitted in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirement for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Cambridge, Mass: Harvard University, May 1, 1954.

To Harry Harrer, esquire, Allegheny Observatory. From?, Harvard College Observatory, Cambridge, MA. Informs him of his unsuccessful search for a comet about which Harrer had mentioned to him previously, ALS, September 5, 1896

Series XV contains histories of the Allegheny Observatory. All of the known authors are listed. If the author is not listed, he/she is unknown.

Folder

1

The Allegheny Observatory of the University of Pittsburgh, [c. mid 1950s] by Theordora M. Lauterbach

Folder

2

The Allegheny Observatory, [c. mid 1910s]

Folder

3

Data Relating to the History, Organization, and Activities of the Allegheny Observatory of the University of Pittsburgh, [c. 1930-37]

Folder

4

Allegheny Observatory, 1958 by Lee Sellars. Also, includes a letter to Sellers from Director Wagman suggesting small changes in his manuscript.

Folder

5

Allegheny Observatory of the University of Pittsburgh: Data presented for consideration if the Commission on Justifications of Higher Education, Middle States Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools, 1952

Series XVI contains photographic prints and negatives (mainly glass plates) of the Observatory, along with personal photography of some of the astronomers. The prints, found in Boxes 16-17, are mostly of the negatives that are part of the collection. Some of these photographs have been scanned and are available
online.